Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Huntsville is 17% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,045 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Alabama salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Huntsville sits at 79 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $260,000 in Huntsville, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Huntsville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Huntsville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Huntsville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $56,098 in Huntsville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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